THE EDGE * VOLUME 23 * ISSUE 3 * APRIL 2014

Rockford, Illinois WW2 Re-enactment

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Rockford, Illinois WW2 Re-enactment

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Rockford, Illinois WW2 Re-enactment

* Page 4: Communications * Page 9: WWII HRS Event Listings * Page 13: World War 1 Event * Page 14: Kennekuk WW2 Remembrance Days * Page 17: World War Two Recreated * Page 21: World War Two Recreated * Page 25: Operation Arcadia

* Page 26: The Reenactor Consumer Guide * Page 27: WWII HRS Board Member List * Page 30: WWII HRS Board Meeting Minutes * Page 31: Photos from the Past * Page 36: WWII HRS Videos

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From HRS President Jonathan Stevens, 9th Infantry jstevensww2@sbcglobal.net

WWII HRS Scholarship 2014 In 2010 the membership approved the creation of an HRS scholarship. The effort behind the scholarship was twofold. The primary goal is to assist the younger members of our organization in their pursuit of higher education. Obviously historical reenacting is an expensive hobby that can be a near impossibility for some students. Secondly we will help grow interest in historical reenacting as an educational endeavor which is part of the mission of our Society. The scholarship will be awarded to a full time undergraduate or graduate student majoring in areas such as history, museum studies, or archeology however all students are encouraged to apply. The award can be used towards tuition or books. Note that any family or relations to any of the board of directors or staff of the WWII HRS will be ineligible for this award. Please send the applications to the WWII HRS Vice President. The amount of the award is $500.

Eligibility: 1. Must be a current member of HRS in good standing in at least their second year of membership. 2. Must be registered as a full-time student; undergraduate or graduate; at an accredited college or university. 3. Must demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.75. 4. Must currently be a history or associated major, however if there is not any history or associated major that apply then all majors are eligible. 5. Must not have received a previous HRS scholarship. Requirements: The student should write a 500-word essay describing their qualifications and justification for receiving the HRS scholarship. It should also include the student’s future plans in reenacting. A letter of recommendation from their unit commander should also be included. If the student is the unit commander for their unit, then another commander can supply the letter. Unofficial transcripts or a letter for the college or university stating that the student’s current major and GPA needs to be included. Lastly, a picture in WWII uniform should be included. Deadline: July 1 Notification: August 1 An article highlighting the student will be in the Society publication, The Edge. Review: A committee consisting of an Allied, an Axis, and a Commonwealth member will review all candidates and give recommendation to the President who will be awarded the scholarship.

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From HRS Treasurer Wayne McCulley 9th Infantry Division WMcCulley45@Gmail.com

This is the report of financial balances deposits and expenditures for February 2014. Balances as of 2/28/2014 PNC checking account $8,717.50 PNC Money Market Account $43,321.60 Wells Fargo Account: I have not been given this information Deposits 02/07/14 Deposit of Money orders from 2013 $80.00 2 Money orders were returned without payment Actual Deposit $40 02/07/14 Deposit of Member checks from 2013 after 8/13 $245 02/10/14 Eventbrite Automatic deposit $4,332.56 Expenditures: 2/03/14 HRS Insurance Payment $7,000.00 2/3/14 Online transfer from Money Market Account to Checking account for insurance payment $5,000.00 2/07/14 Mad Mimi Marketing $12 .80 2/13/14 US Postal Service PO Box 6mths rental $39.00 2/19/14 Office Max for Stamps and Membership card supplies $478.75 2/19/14 Walgreens Envelopes $4.51 In a related matter: On March 3rd 2014 we incurred a $27 service charge from PNC for the two returned money orders deposited in February. $12.00 for each money order and a $3 charge for viewing copy of deposit receipt online. 2014 Eventbrite Memberships February 187 memberships Net Sales $2,398.06

From The Editor Heinz Thiel WW2 HRS Press Corps GD5.Heinz.Thiel@Gmail.Com

The EDGE is a WW2 HRS publication which promotes and features the works of WW2 HRS Members. I welcome HRS Units to advertise their Events and Accomplishments in The Edge. ANY WW2 HRS Member can submit an item to me for publication here in The EDGE. Jon (the HRS President) does review this publication and asks that submissions reflect the POSITIVE aspect of our Society. You may occasionally notice articles from around the World in The Edge. The Internet makes it possible for anybody to see our Society’s work, and submit items to me. We do have a large international following and I do receive world-wide e-mail from people. Upon request I will also come out and visit with HRS Members and Units. I am happy to take some pictures or video and do a write up about your WW2 Living History efforts.

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Some Answers to Survey Comments From December 2013 German Authenticity standards need to be strictly enforced. - This should go for all impressions. If you see an infraction, bring it up to the event organizer, or S&A official. They should be able to address it right there and then. Is there an alternate system to mailed out membership cards? Some type of PIN system that is linked to the electronic application format where we would just present our photo IDs at events to cross-check versus mailing a membership card? - Lists of HRS members will be sent out to event organizers for their events. Non-essential information member information will not be on these lists. Remember to bring you membership cards just in case. NOTE - for 2014. Membership dues should be equitable at either $15 or at $20 and NOT more or less dues to a paper application versus electronic application. - There was an HRS member vote concerning this matter and it was a reduction of $5 for electronic application. Reduced fees or dues for veterans? - Dues have now been reduced and are very affordable for all individual members who sign up electronically. They are now much lower than other similar organizations. Adding nonmilitary is fine just no jawas or treky comicon crap – All prospective units are voted on by the HRS S&A Committee and then the HRS BOD. Never received my card from last year and I paid twice. - Regrettably, there were some errors last year, and that is being addressed. Eventbrite confirmations/tickets can be used as proof of membership this year. Is it possible to get HRS cards sent faster than one month? What will the HRS do to promote more events in Minnesota, Iowa, and Dakotas and not focus so much on Illinois? Eventbrite confirmations/tickets can be used as proof of membership this year. Only HRS individual units can create events in there geographical areas. Funding is available for all HRS events. Rates should not be decreased, organization should continue to grow funds for better events. No discounts should be given to students as rates are already so low. - Most HRS Dues have now been reduced by membership vote and funding is available for all HRS events. Dues are very affordable for all who sign up electronically.

Represent the truth and be excellent in the craft. We are not running a circus. It is not about what is fun and neat, portraying a soldier, for whatever the period, is necessary to be accurate. I am a combat vet and that angers me when a reenacted – This is a good philosophy. Contact your Unit Commander and/or Nationality Representative and they should be able to help address your concerns if possible. Expanding the scope of reenactor groups is a good idea...to include home front, Boy Scout scrap drives, victory gardens etc., as well as Resistance units and folks who just want to accurately portray civilians of the period. - All prospective units are voted on by the HRS S&A Committee and then the HRS BOD. Is being a member any advantage for some one that only goes to 1 event a year? - Unlike other reenacting era events, all participants at HRS events must belong to the HRS or a recognized organization. I could support lower dues for electronic applications once a real, usable process that covers all the organizational needs is in place. - Most HRS Dues have already been now been reduced by membership vote. The Eventbrite application process has been refined since last year and is working well. Need more advertising to the public. - Funding to organizing units is available for all HRS events. I don't do money electronically. - Checks or money orders can still be mailed in with paper applications. I would like to see more representation on the Executive Board from states besides Illinois. I realize there are many units from the Chicago area, but it would be nice to have some officers from Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas. - HRS members from all geographical locations are encouraged to run for any open BOD position. What about the soviet rep. position that was voted in last year? - There was no official vote, just a survey question. A new position will require a bylaw change and is still being explored at this time.

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Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of insurance does the WWII HRS carry? The HRS carries Liability Insurance. It is good in the lower 48 states.

Who is the insurance carrier? Essex Insurance Company. What is the term of the insurance? 2/1/2014 to 2/1/2015

Is the HRS insurance personal accident insurance or medical insurance? No.

Are those under age 18 covered under our policy? Yes, those under age 18 are covered although some restrictions still apply to minors.

What are the limits? $1,000,000; $5000 medical expense limit for any one person.

Are vehicles, landing craft, and aircraft covered by the HRS insurance? No they are not.

Does the insurance bar Canadian members? No. What if my equipment or vehicle is lost, stolen, or damaged? There is no coverage for personal property loss of any kind.

Can my event get insurance coverage? Yes, if an HRS chartered unit sponsors the event and it is approved by the HRS board however some restrictions apply. The event site says they need to be added as an additional named insured to a certificate of insurance for my event. Our insurance for 2014 has a blanket additional named insured so this does not incur an additional cost as in previous years however you still need to apply for this with enough time to process the request. At least 60 days should be allowed for the request.

Can I see proof of insurance for the HRS? Yes, please contact a board member for more information.

Do non-members attending a WWII HRS event need to provide their own insurance for the event? No. They are covered under the HRS insurance as part of the event.

Are HRS members covered at non-HRS sanctioned events? No. The HRS insurance only applies at HRS sanctioned events.

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Here are the results from the very unscientific poll about the favorite event of the year from December 2013. 207 people gave coherent answers to the question, “What was your favorite event of the year.” Without a doubt Rockford was the favorite, with Lockport a distant second, and Battle of the Bulge in Nevada Mo was third. Anyhow, here are the complete results. What does this mean? Not too much but I hope that our members will be able to attend more events in 2014. Thanks to all the event coordinators who fuel our time warp to the 1940s.

Rockford, IL 120

Lockport, IL 17

Battle of the Bulge at Camp Clark 7

Farmington, MN 6

Conneaut Ohio D-Day event 5

Dixon, IL 5

Danville, IL 4

Jefferson Barracks 4

Rails to Victory (Elgin ILL) 4

All 3

Camp Atterbury 3

Ft Custer 3

Peoria June Event 3

Old Wade House – Greenbush, WI 3

Battle of the Bulge Peoria December 2

Mountain States Regional Event.2013 2

Ottawa KS 2

Thunder over Michigan 2

Walk Back in Time, Mexico Mo 2

.38 Jäger Regiment East Front Tactical 1

2nd Marine Division Association Reunion 1

Black Hills Convoy 1

Chesterfield 1

Loveland Fort Collins Fly-in 1

Red Devil - Ft. Carson 1

Rockville 1

STARS & STRIPS 1

Virginia Beach Airshow 1

Welcome Home 1

Total Votes Cast: 207

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May May

16-18

May

5TH ANNUAL ARMED FORCES DAY - WWII WEEKEND

Loc: Dakota City Heritage Village 4008 220th Street West, Farmington, MN 55024 Dates: May 16-18, 2014 Event Times: open to the public Saturday 10-6 & Sunday 10-3 Registration Times: Friday noon-10pm & Saturday 7am through the rest of the day Pre-Registration: email Jon Boorom ivanthecutthroat@Hotmail.com to confirm a campsite for your unit. Fee: none for WWII veterans & reenactors/volunteers & kids under 7. Public admission is $7 with a non-perishable food item. $9 without. Contact: Jon Boorom ivanthecutthroat@Hotmail.com 612-432-2231 Website: http://www.DakotaCityWWII.yolasite.com Authenticity Notes: all HRS rules apply Sponsoring Unit(s): Fox Company, 502 PIR, 101 AB

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June June

06-08

Jun

4TH ANNUAL RAILS TO VICTORY

Loc: Fox River Trolley Museum, 361 South LaFox Street (IL 31), South Elgin, IL 60177 Dates: June 6-8, 2014 Event Summary: Rails to Victory is a great event for all impressions: Military and Civilians. This year's event will focus on remembering D-Day and the sacrifices made by the Allies during the invasion of France in June and July 1944. - New for 2014: A period WW2 BICYCLE RALLY & PARADE is scheduled for Sunday Morning at 10:30 AM for a leisurely ride through the museum and down the Fox River Bicycle path to the Duerr Forest Preserve and back (approximately 3 miles round trip). Period bicycles of all kinds; military & civilian, and European & Homefront, are all invited to participate in this first of its kind WW2 Era Bicycle Rally. - Saturday's Schedule will focus on BATTLES & LIVING HISTORY scenarios along the Trolley Line; offering several bridge skirmishes throughout the day. New in 2014, we are planning evening runs of the Occupied France Trolley Tours offering both reenactors and the public a chance to see the bridge skirmishes and living history skits under sunset lighting with long shadows. - Sunday's Schedule shall include a LARGE SCALE FIELD BATTLE at 1pm in and around the Museum's bone yard with all the railroad obstacles for defensive positions; and includes the expanded open grassy area incorporated into last year's larger battlefield. All vehicles including tracked vehicles and watercrafts are welcome to participate. - A period WW2 Girls Baseball Home Front Game will once again be played on Sunday afternoon this year at 3pm. Reenactors are encouraged to come over to watch the game and cheer on their favorite team; whether it be the Rockford Peaches, Kenosha Comets, Racine Bells, or South Bend Blue Sox. - Opportunities for historical camp presentations are also welcome and can be presented both days of the event. Please contact us if you would like your presentation added to the printed schedule. - Camp Amenities: Shaded Encampments and Flush Toilets on site. Event Times: - Friday, June 6: Reenactor check-in, 4pm to 10pm.; - Saturday, June 7 : Reenactor check-in, 8 am to 9:15am; - Sunday, June 8: Reenactor check-in, 9am to 9:50am; - Daily morning formations and S&A check; - Museum Opens at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday; - Visit the Event Web Site for Additional event details (schedules, maps, and updates). Website: http://www.railstovictory.com Pre-Registration: http://railstovictory2014.eventbrite.com (No Walk Ons) Fee: none Contact: Rebecca Tulloch becky1861@sbcglobal.net Map: http://foxtrolley.org/Default.aspx?pageId=1146775 Directions: The Fox River Trolley Museum is located on Illinois Route 31, three blocks south of State Street in South Elgin, IL. at Fox River Trolley Museum, 365 South LaFox Street (Illinois Route 31),South Elgin, IL 60177 - From Chicago and the east: Take the Northwest Tollway (I-90) or US Route 20 west to Elgin. - - Exit on Illinois 31 southbound and follow posted detour at Spring Street (South Elgin). - From the west and northwest: Take the Northwest Tollway (I-90) or US Route 20 east to Elgin. Exit on Illinois 31 southbound and follow posted detour at Spring Street (South Elgin). - From the south: Take Illinois Route 59 north to Illinois Route 64. Turn west on 64 to Illinois Route 31 in St Charles. Take 31 north to the museum. Authenticity Notes: HRS safety and authenticity rules apply. Invited Vehicles/Items: All WWII vehicles, including tracked vehicles, are welcome; weather conditions permitting, tracked vehicles may be limited to the gravel road and battle field. Smaller vehicles such as Jeeps, Motorcycles, Kubels & Lightweight Trucks may drive on the grassy areas. A static vehicle honor display area has been established for all attending vehicles. Boats and other period water crafts such rafts are also welcome on the Fox River, but should contact us first prior to bringing out. River depth is only 2-3 feet in the vicinity of the museum. Restrictions on Minors: HRS Rules Other restrictions: No alcoholic beverages permitted in the Museum and County Park. No digging, but camp fires are allowed in above pits and military stoves and grills. No firing of weapons in the encampment area in County Park by Forest Preserve Ordinance; but okay in the designated battlefield areas on museum property. Motels: Accommodations available in nearby Elgin and St. Charles Illinois: Hampton Inn, the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites and West Dundee's Marriott International-Courtyard & Towne Place Suites; and in St. Charles: Best Western, Country Inn & Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Geneva Motel, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Baker, Pheasant Run Resort, and Super 8. Restaurants: There are eating establishments with in a very easy walk of the museum ranging in variety from hot dogs to pizza. Sponsoring Unit(s): Members of the US10th Mtn LHDG, and members of Vintage Rockford Peaches Softball Team of the WW2 Girls Baseball Living History League.

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13-15

Jun

GENERAL JIMMY DOOLITTLE VICTORY DAYS, DOOLITTLE, MO

Loc: Burns Army Surplus, I-44 Exit 179, Doolittle, MO 65550 Dates: 13-15 June 2014 Event Times: Camp setup starts 12 noon 13 June, event 9am - 5pm 14 June, all camps cleared by 12 noon 15 June 2014 Registration Times: 3-7pm 13 June, 7-9am 14 June Pre-Registration: Re-enactors will receive a FREE lunch if pre-registered by 7 June 2014, all others will register on site: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/general-jimmy-doolittle-victory-days-doolittle-mo-tickets-6777907905?aff=eac2 Fee: None Contact: 6th Corps Living History Group (Select 'Contact Us' on the following page: http://www.6thcorpslhg.com) Website: http://doolittlevictorydays.webs.com Authenticity Notes: All WW II impressions, all theatres, all nationalities Prohibited Vehicles/Items: All Military Vehicles are welcome, static display mostly, small convoy Friday night or Saturday morning, possible small skirmish using small vehicles. Restrictions on Minors: Per HRS Rules Other restrictions: NO live ammunition. Sponsoring Unit(s): FIRST SPECIAL SERVICE FORCE, 6TH CO, 3RD REG, SECOND 25TH AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION, 25TH BRIGADE 7TH DIVISION, 116th INFANTRY REGIMENT, 29th INFANTRY DIVISION, 29th PANZERGRENADIER REGIMENT, 3rd PANZERGRENADIER DIVISION

14

Jun

ANNUAL HEARTLAND MILITARY DAY

Loc: Museum of the Kansas National Guard, 6700 Southwest Topeka Boulevard, Topeka, Kansas 66619 Dates: Saturday, June 14, 2014 Event Times: 0800 – 1600 Registration Times: 0800 – 1000 Pre-Registration: not required Fee: no fee Contact: Ed Gerhardt 7850 862-1020 e-mail office@kngmuseum.org for display and general information John Colyer at nordland1@cox.net for information on WWII and Public Battles Website: Annual Heartland Military Day on Facebook Authenticity Notes: WWII HRS Authenticity and Safety rules will be enforced Prohibited Vehicles/Items: Vehicles Welcome no alcoholic beverages during event on event site Restrictions on Minors: As/per HRS guidelines Other restrictions: No Live Ammo in event area. Modern camping cannot be in the display area or battle field. Camping will be allowed on Friday night June 14, 2-014 and there will be access to the Museum restroom. Sponsoring Unit(s): 11th SS Nordland & 250th Ski Company

20-22

Jun

WWII RECREATED, DIXON, ILLINOIS

Loc: Elks Page Park, 7883 Lowell Park Rd., Dixon, Illinois Dates: June 20, 21, and 22 Event Times: - Friday June 20: Arrival, setup, evening public event preview, and militaria flea market with indoor tables for HRS members and others $5/table. Please RSVP for a table. -Saturday June 21: 10am to 5pm campsites open to the public, with two public battles, weapons demos, veteran recognition and interviews, militaria sale -Sunday June 22: 8-10am Tactical; 11am to 4:00pm open to the public with one public battle; militaria sale Registration Times: Friday June 20 and Saturday June 21 7 to 9 am Pre-Registration: https://wwii-remembered-dixon-2014.eventbrite.com Fee: None Contact: Jonathan Stevens Website: http://wwii-recreated-dixon.weebly.com Map: Click Here Authenticity Notes: All HRS rules apply. Minors: All HRS restrictions apply Prohibited Vehicles/Items: All vehicles welcome. Sponsoring Unit (s): 9th Infantry Division

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July July

Jul

No events listed.

August August

Aug

No events listed.

September September

Sep

No events listed.

October October

16-19

Oct

WELCOME HOME STARS & STRIPES REMEMBERS WORLD WAR II & KOREA

Loc: Stars & Stripes National Museum & Library, 17377 Stars & Stripes Way, Bloomfield, MO 63825 Dates:16-19 October 2014 Event Times: 16 Oct, camp set up can begin @ 12 noon 17 Oct, open to schools: 10am-2pm, set-up continues all day 18 Oct open to the public, 8:30am, Memorial convoy 18 Oct open to the public, All camps and displays @ 9am - 5pm 19 Oct camp sites cleared by 12 noon Registration Times: 3pm – 9pm 17 October 7am – 9am 18 October Pre-Registration: (click here) Fee: N/A Contact: 6th Corps Living History Group, St Louis, MO at the contact me button on this web-site: http://welcomehomestarsstripesrememberswwii.webs.com/contact-us Website: http://welcomehomestarsstripesrememberswwii.webs.com/ Authenticity Notes: All HRS Safety and authenticity rules apply. Prohibited Vehicles/Items: No live ammo Restrictions on Minors: per HRS rules Other restrictions: Per local and state laws Sponsoring Unit(s): FIRST SPECIAL SERVICE FORCE, 6TH CO, 3RD REG HRS SECOND 25TH AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION, 25TH BRIGADE 7TH DIVISION HRS 116th INFANTRY REGIMENT, 29th INFANTRY DIVISION 29th PANZERGRENADIER REGIMENT, 3rd PANZERGRENADIER DIVISION

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World War 1 Event By Dave Fornell 353 Infanterie Division

As with the WWII Days event at Midway Village Museum in Rockford, Illinois, which has become one of the largest WWII events in the country, the museum is now working with WWII re-enactors who also do WWI to create the largest public Great War public battles and encampment in the country. Now in its second year, this year's Great War event April 10, 11, 12 and 13, 2014 will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the start of WWI. There were 132 WWI re-enactors who attended in 2013 and the number is expected to grow to 200 this year. All impressions welcome to help tell the story of the Great War through 1914-1918. Thursday April 10 is a set up day and work day on the trenches and battlefield. Friday will be a school display day for school groups in the morning.

All impressions welcome to help tell the story of the Great War through 1914-1918. The event includes battles in the historic town, indoor and outdoor displays, and large field battles (including gas attacks) are centered on a 100 foot long permanent trench, which contains 3 sleeping bunkers firing steps and MG positions. Food tickets are provided by the museum that are good at the WWI French cafe set up in the hotel in the downtown. The cafe offers warm drinks and authentic French food. Vendors selling WWI gear will be set up in the main red barn. WWI was a major turning point in social history, as it brought to the forefront equal rights for women, as they worked in the factories and farms to fill the jobs of soldiers who marched off to war. Women attending the event are encouraged to help with the womens' suffrage marches and rallies through town. There is also a separate Facebook page set up to help women build their impressions with photos, references, patterns and discussion. The website offers links to vendors and lists of basic gear needed for several impressions. It also lists units that attend the Rockford event — most made up of WWII re-enactors from the Midwest. Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/midway-village-great-war-event-2014-registration-10108429585 Website: http://www.353id.org/ww1/ww1main.html Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/461433667273149/ (Midway Village Great War Event)

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Kennekuk WW2 Remembrance Days 4 and 5th May 2014 By Wayne McCulley 9th US Infantry Div.

On May 2-4 we will kick off the summer WW2HRS reenacting season with the Kennekuk World War 2 Remembrance Days at Kennekuk County Park near Danville Illinois. This will be the fourth year for this event. Danville is in East Central Illinois, forty minutes from Champaign-Urbana and near the Indiana state line. Kennekuk Park is a 3000 acre park with plenty of open space for encampments and battles.

It also features a town display of 10 vintage buildings.

On Friday evening we will have a WW2 vehicle convoy that will start at Kennekuk, travel through Danville. We will be having one large field battle each day on Saturday and Sunday. The main field battle will feature Warbird flyovers courtesy of local Warbird owners weather permitting. We are also planning to have a few small unit skirmishes during the weekend. On Saturday evening we will have a 1940's Barn Dance at the Red barn at Kennekuk. This event is open to all World War 2 impressions. We would appreciate it if the WW2 reenacting community will add Kennekuk to the events they will be attending this year.

Sponsoring units: 33rd US Infantry Div. and Great Lakes Waves Registration site: www.kennekuk.eventbrite.com Event site: Kennekuk County Park 22296 Henning Road Danville, IL 61834 Friday Schedule 3:00pm- 9:00pm Registration at the Red Barn 5:00pm: Vehicle Convoy to Danville 10:00pm Quiet Time Saturday’s Schedule: 7:30am- 8:30am Registration 9:00am: Camp is open to public 9:30am: S & A 10:00am: Flag Ceremony (Located Near Barn) 2:30pm: Public Battle 5:00pm: Event closed to public 7:00pm – 11:00pm: Re-enactor Dance 10:00pm Quiet Time Sunday’s Schedule: 10:00am: Camp open to public 11:00am: Radio Demonstration 12:00pm-1:00pm: Event Vehicle Parade (All are Welcome) 1:30pm: Public Battle 3:00pm: Camp is closed to public/ Re-enactors Pack up camp

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Danville – Kennekuk – 2013 Event Photos

Briefing

Event Host Interview Video Kennekuk's WW2 Remembrance Days Event

At Danville, Illinois in May 2013. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2Uctft1pxg

Video of the Battle of Danville

This live public show was held in Danville, Illinois at Kennekuk Park on 4 May 2013.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6TalEEi5tw

Video of the World War 2 Historical Re-enactment Society visit to the Vermilion County War Museum

In Danville, Illinois. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=289woEQDpWc

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Battlefield

Danville – Kennekuk – 2013 Event Photos

S & A

Danville – Kennekuk – 2013 Event Photos

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By Rebecca Tulloch 10th Mtn Div. LHDG WW2 Girls Baseball Living History League All HRS members are invited to the 4th annual Fox River Trolley Museum’s “Rails To Victory” WW2 Reenactment this June to remember and honor the men and women who fought on D-Day 70 years ago. Rails To Victory (RTV) offers opportunities for many diverse impressions and displays. The heart of the event is centered around providing the public with an immersive WW2 experience offering reenactors opportunities to put the public right into the middle of the action. During the Trolley Adventure, reenactors can participate in bridge skirmishes, partisan actions, period civilian impressions and various D-Day and Occupied France scenes and tableaus. The public rides through our battles and period scenes on one of the museum’s three period trolleys.

Photo by John Cairns The Fox River Trolley Museum located in the Village of South Elgin, Illinois in the Fox River Valley offers some interesting terrain for a more secluded battle area. Two interesting bridges are fought around and under; the CN Rail Trestle and the Stearns Road Stone Arches Bridge. The terrain is sloped in many places and has plenty of foliage. A large portion of the museum’s 3 mile rail system snakes its way through the Kane County Forest Preserve along the Fox River.

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In addition to the Trolley Adventure Tours, a large field battle is planned for Sunday afternoon in the museum’s expanded rail yard battlefield, followed by a home front baseball game with the Rockford Peaches, made famous in the 1992 film, “A League of Their Own”.

Photo by John Cairns

New to this year’s event will be a 1st of its kind, a period bicycle rally down the Fox River Bike path which runs through the museum’s grounds along the trolley line and the Fox River. If you own a period bicycle, this is your chance to show it off with other period bicycle enthusiasts. All period makes and models are welcome.

Photo by US Army Signal Corps

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EVENT SUMMARY Event Dates: June 6-8, 2014

• Changes that were successful in 2013 shall be built upon such as the expanded battle field which can accommodate military vehicles including tracked vehicles and tanks.

• New for 2014 is the addition of a PERIOD WW2

BICYCLE RALLY along on the Fox River Bike Path on Sunday Morning.

• The "Occupied France Trolley Adventure” will run

on Saturday only this year and will include multiple battle skirmishes under the Stearns Road bridge on the Fox River and offer opportunities for reenactors and units to portray D-Day/Occupied France related skits and impressions. If a unit would like a whole skit area of you own, space is available. Just let us know you are interested. New this year will be three early evening twilight runs for a new and interesting perspective for the participants and public.

• The WW2 Girls Baseball Game on Sunday

Afternoon is scheduled for 2:30 pm. We are inviting reenactors to come to the game in period home front attire, including soldiers in class As. Come cheer on the Peaches.

• Living History Displays, Military Camps, and Period

Vehicles & Demonstrations.

EVENT REGISTRATION: WWW.RAILSTOVICTORY.COM CONTACT PERSON: Rebecca Tulloch @ film_spirit@prairiestarproductions.com Fox River Trolley Museum Phone: 847-697-4676 365 South LaFox Street (IL Rt. 31) South Elgin, IL 60177

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RE-ENACTOR PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE (Minor Tweaking may still occur before event- Feb 2014version) FRIDAY June 6, 2014 4pm – 10pm Re-enactor Check In and Set Up. SATURDAY June 7, 2014 8:00 – 9:15 am Reenactor Check In and Set Up 9:15 – 9:45 am Safety and Authenticity Inspection / Battle Field 9:50 – 10:00 am All POVs must be moved out of the Camps. 10:00 am Museum and Camps Open to the Public 10:15 am TROLLEY ADVENTURE – Reenactor Set Up Cast and Equipment Trolley Departs 10:30, 11:00, 11:30 Morning Trolley Adventure Runs & Bridge Battles 12:00-12:30 TENTATIVE – Signal Pigeon Display & Presentation – St. Lazare Presentation Area 1.5 HOUR LUNCH BREAK 1:00-1:30 Weapons Demonstration Presentation – Battle Field Across from Sutlers 2:00 pm TROLLEY ADVENTURE – Reenactor Set Up Cast and Equipment Trolley Departs 2:30, 3:00, 3:30 Afternoon Trolley Adventure Runs & Bridge Battles 2 HOUR DINNER BREAK 7:00 pm TROLLEY ADVENTURE – Reenactor Set Up Cast and Equipment Trolley Departs 7:30, 8:00, 8:30pm Evening Trolley Adventure Runs & Bridge Battles SUNDAY June 8, 2014 8:30 – 9:15 am Non-Denominational Church Service – St. Lazare Station 9:00 – 9:50 am Re-enactor Check In and Set Up 9:30 am Officer’s Call 9:45 am Safety and Authenticity for those not in attendance on Saturday / Battlefield 10:30 am WW2 Period Bicycle Rally on the Fox River Bike Path 11:00 pm Army Medical Demo – US10 Mtn. Tent in Allied Encampment Area 12:00 pm 1940s Period Fashions Presentation – St. Lazare Presentation Area 1:00-1:30 Weapons Demonstration Presentation – Battle Field Across from Sutlers 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm Feature Battle / Battle Field 2:30 – 5:00 pm Home Front Rockford Peaches Period Baseball Game / Baseball Field 5:00 pm Museum and Camps Close to the Public

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Here is the Video of the 22 June 2013 WW2 HRS World War Two Recreated Living History Battle Re-enactment at Elks Page Park in Dixon, Illinois.

This Video is broken up into FOUR parts.

Part 1 - The Patrol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw3F4vv5okA

Part 2 - The German Attack http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYFv-ng6cTg

Part 3 - The Allied Attack

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrSFKQeqVwM

Part 4 - German Surrender http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzH3_IbeOmw

Heinz Thiel - WW2 HRS Press Corps.

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Living History Battle Re-enactment at Elks Page Park in Dixon, Illinois.

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Living History Battle Re-enactment at Elks Page Park in Dixon, Illinois.

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Living History Battle Re-enactment at Elks Page Park in Dixon, Illinois.

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Submitted By: Jonathan Stevens, 9th Infantry

I thought that this website, The Reenactor Consumer Guide, was worthy of a quick report in the Edge. If you are looking to purchase WWII items from a vendor but are not very familiar with them then this might be worth your while. From the homepage: “It's a place for customers to rate their experiences with vendors servicing the reenacting community. Good or bad, let's hear it. Vendor Feedback Reviews are posted only after being reviewed by the webmasters. Positive reviews are posted as they are submitted; negative reviews are posted 2 weeks after submission. During this time, the vendor is sent the review in order to provide them ample time to provide us with a rebuttal. After 2 weeks if no rebuttal is received the review is posted. Vendors who do not recall the buyer are encouraged to make contact and work out the problem. Spread the word! The RCG has not only helped WWII reenacting by spreading the word about bad vendors and experiences, but it has also really helped new vendors get discovered and their businesses grow. What it really means is that if a vendor screws someone, then it will be out there for everyone to see. And yes, vendors CAN rebut feedback. Be polite, no flames and be professional!!” The Reenactor Consumer Guide, www.reenactorconsumer.com, is administered and created by Marsh Wise.

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HRS Board Members MARCH 2014

HRS President Jon Stevens 9th Infantry Division 630.221.1171 jstevensww2@sbcglobal.net HRS Vice President Mike Kaczorowski 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade 630.888.9067 mike.kaczorowski@gmail.com HRS Secretary Darryl “Eddie” Mayton 105 Daisy Ave., Apt #2 Jackson, MO 63755 wwiispartan@aol.com HRS Treasurer Wayne McCulley, 9th Infantry Division PO Box 861 Champaign, IL 61824 217.778.0885 WMcCulley45@Gmail.com Allied Representative Ronald J Kapustka C Company, 502nd PIR, 101st Airborne 5341 N. McVicker Avenue Chicago, IL 60630 847.682.6460 fourboys@ix.netcom.com

Commonwealth Representative Bryce Seyko DCLI 305 East Lincoln Street Normal, IL 61761 847.385.8974 bster144@aol.com Axis Representative Doug Loge dbloge@yahoo.com Business Manager David Jameson dmjameson@cox.net THE EDGE Newsletter Editor Jeff "Heinz Thiel" Skender WW2 HRS Press Corps GD5.Heinz.Thiel@GMail.Com Webmasters John Olsen 9th Infantry Division john.olsen@wheaton.edu Joshua Olsen 167th Signal Photo Company And 9th I.D. wolfiejo@yahoo.com

HOW TO ATTEND a Board Meeting:

Monthly teleconference Board meetings are open to all members. Members do not need to register for the meetings nor do they need to contact the president or any board members. They need to contact their unit commander for the call information to include phone number and password. This creates less of a choke point and gets the information out to more with less hassle. The monthly board meeting time/dates will change to accommodate the board members time schedules. Please contact your unit commander for more information regarding date, time, and log on information.

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All of the HRS Board Meeting Minutes from the past five years are posted on the HRS WEB Site. Current HRS By-Law call for these official business reports to be re-published here in The Edge.

See the BOD Minutes Page at http://WorldWarTwoHrs.org/Business.htm for past meeting Minutes W W I I H R S Minutes

Click to go to a PDF file of the minutes.

2014 Minutes

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

2013 Minutes

January

February (canceled)

March

April

May

June

July

August

September (canceled)

October

November

December

2012 Minutes

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September (canceled)

October

November

December (No quorum)

2011 Minutes

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

2010 Minutes

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

2009 Minutes

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

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About Us

d

The World War Two Historical Re-enactment Society is an organization of over 1200 men and women members from coast to coast, as well as Canada and Europe. Our mission is to bring the history of World War Two to life with public displays, simulated battles, participation in parades, and a variety of other community activities.

The society strives to honor and preserve the memory of those who served in World War Two, as well as preserve the artifacts of that period.

Our members carry out a wide range of historical impressions, including those of The United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, Poland, and Germany.

Our focus is entirely on the military history of World War Two. We have no sympathy for the ideology of Nazism or fascism. Such beliefs are not welcome here.

If this exciting and rewarding hobby appeals to you, please consider joining us. Our hobby is dependent upon the talents and enthusiasm of its members and there is always room for new interest! Please contact any of our board members today for more information.

The WWII Historical Reenactment Society Inc. has never hosted, supported, or financed any events, or dinners at the Minneapolis based Gasthof Zur Gemutlichkeit Restaurant. The only officially sponsored WWII HRS events are listed on our website: http://worldwartwohrs.org/Events.htm. Information about our non for profit organization can be found here: http://worldwartwohrs.org/AboutUs.htm

Any activities by our members and member units that violate the stated bylaws and regulations of the Society are reviewed for disciplinary action up to dismissal and banning from future participation. On behalf of the WWII HRS Inc. Board of Directors, Michael Kaczorowski WWII HRS Inc. Vice President WWII HRS Inc. Head of Safety and Authenticity

The WEB Site Is Hosted by Socket.NET

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Board Meeting 20 February 2014, 8:00 pm ROLL CALL: Position Name Present President: Jonathan Stevens YES Vice President: Mike Kaczorowski NO Treasurer: Wayne McCulley YES Secretary: Eddie Mayton NO Allied Representative: Ron Kapustka YES Commonwealth Rep: Bryce Seyko NO Axis Representative: Doug Loge YES Newsletter Editors: Jeff Skender YES Business Manager: David Jameson YES HRS Members Present George Renke, Jim Schouten, Carlos Ramirez, Rey Rameriz, Tim Scherr, Chris Adams, Curt Gustafson Reading of the January, 2014 Minutes: The January, 2014 meeting minutes were read by Doug Loge. A motion was made by Ron Kapustka to approve the minutes as read and with the addition of the other HRS members who were at the meeting, which was seconded by Jon Stevens. A vote was taken and the Minutes were approved as read. Old Business Insurance Renewal: David Jameson reported that the renewal had gone through but he had not yet received the written policy. Our agent had e-mailed David and advised that it would be coming soon. David would forward a paper invoice to the BOD for its records. David also reported on the "Blanket" endorsement policy and procedure which the BOD had elected to pay for 2014. This eliminated the individual charges for specific event endorsements as they were requested. 2014 Membership Process: The 2014 procedure was discussed. Eventbrite is working well so far with over 400 electronic memberships so far. There were three Unit CO's who asked for paper forms and they will be mailed out. New Business Unit Charters: New Charters: Probationary Charters: Defunct Charters: Treasurer Report: This is the report of financial balances and expenditures for January and February. This includes 2013 cash, checks and money orders recovered from the former treasurer. Current Balances: PNC checking account $9,200.76 PNC Money Market Account $43,318.92 Wells Fargo Account: $302.20 Expenditures: US Postal Service PO Box 6 months rental $39.00 HRS Insurance Payment $7,000.00 US Postal service Postage to send insurance Payment $19.95 University of St. Francis Scholarship Payment $500.00 Secretary of State $10.00 Mad Mimi Marketing service $25.60 Deposit of 2013 Funds held by former treasurer Cash $756.00 4 Eventbrite Payment checks (05/06/13,07/08/13,08/06/13,09/09/13) $1,949.00

4 Money order checks were received and deposited 2 were deposited to account $40 2 were returned unpaid $40 Checks dated after 8/1/13 were deposited $225.00 Checks prior to 8/1/13 were received. Grand total was $1,705.00 These checks could not be processed by PNC bank as they were more than 6 months old. I also received a PNC receipt for 3 Eventbrite checks deposited 4/18/13. $2,643.10. These checks were from February and March 2013. Secretary Report: Eddie Mayton was unable to attend, Membership Coordinator: 2014 Eventbrite Memberships were as follows: January, 352 memberships and February, 123 memberships. Those who asked for cards would be receiving them in the next few weeks. Commonwealth Report: Bryce was unable to attend, No Report. Allied Report: Nothing to Report Axis Report: Doug Loge reported about the Herman Goerring Black Regiment One; 2nd SS; 9th SS and 1st SS Panzer Division units. The Herman Goering unit has not had members in three years. The 2nd SS, Larry Fryklund, has not contacted Doug in several months. The 9th SS had three members last years and haven't responded in a few months. The 1st SS Panzer Division unit will not be getting membership in the HRS. Doug asked that they be listed as "Defunct Units". Jon Stevens suggested that Mike K be given that information and that he, as the VP, be tasked with the units. Doug made a motion that all four Units be "decommissioned" at this time. There was no second. The motion failed. Edge Report: Jeff Skender has the March, 2014 Edge ready to go. Jeff asked for information/reports from the BOD. He would need the reports by the weekend. Business Manager Report: David Jameson reported earlier about the insurance. Committee Reports: S&A - Mike K was not in attendance, so there was no report. Vehicle – Jim is getting information from EventBrite with regard to vehicles. The HRS has 209 WW2 vehicles registered. Jon has contacted the webmaster for some ideas on adding the vehicle lists to the website. Jim will get in touch with the webmaster. Geographical Boundaries: Doug Loge asked that this item be dropped from the agenda at this time. Past Treasurer Issue: Doug Loge discussed the actions of the past Treasurer, Charlie Gallagher, which were previously discussed by Wayne McCulley. The actions of Charlie Gallagher caused the HRS not to receive $1700.00+ in revenue from HRS members. Doug made a motion that any application of Charlie Gallagher application to the HRS not be accepted for a period of two years. Jon Stevens suggested that the issue be handled in executive session. Doug asked for a second to his motion, there was no second. Jon Stevens asked that the issue be handled in executive session. That was seconded by Ron Kapustka. A vote was taken, with Doug Loge abstaining. A vote was taken which was passed. The issue will be discussed in executive session. Open Comments: An update was given about the Weldon event with registrations at 250 with 47 vehicles. The final details are being worked out. There will be a film made about the event from three different points of view. Next year, it will be the 40th Anniversary and the event may be looking for HRS support and assistance. A motion to adjourn the Meeting was made by Ron Kapustka and seconded by Jon Stevens. A vote was taken and the meeting was adjourned at 9:00

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Photos from the Past Mr. Roberts has given his permission for The EDGE to re-print photos from his 2003 sold-out book. 12 Years ago he got $25 per book because of the high quality color photos provides. The book is out of print but Mr. Roberts can make copies. There are over 500 pictures in this book, look for more photos from it in future issues of The EDGE

Photographic Archive of World War 2 Reenactments November 2003

By Charles C. Roberts 70th Tank Battalion

This book is a compilation of photographs taken from World War 2 reenactments that took place in the Midwest from 1990 to 2003. The photographs are a pictorial history of reenactors and their participation in an endeavor to keep the memory of World War 2 Veterans alive.

Photo Copyright 2003 by Charles C. Roberts, Jr.

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Photo Copyright 2003 by Charles C. Roberts, Jr.

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Photo Copyright 2003 by Charles C. Roberts, Jr.

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Photo Copyright 2003 by Charles C. Roberts, Jr.

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Photo Copyright 2003 by Charles C. Roberts, Jr.

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Video By: Heinz Thiel - WW2 HRS Press Corps E-Mail: GD5.Heinz.Thiel@GMail.Com

WW2 HRS Rockford September 2013 Event VIDEOS are on YouTube

Main Battlefield Video - Assembling for the Battle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiOVzHIow_M

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Main Battlefield Video - The Battle of Rockford http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN9n7nxa8lg

Rockford 2013 Sunday Church Service

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mX3613xkAMs

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The Lost Patrol at Rockford 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDe-nzBImSk

General George Patton Briefing at Rockford 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNQAK8dVjMM

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WW2 HRS videos have their own regular Comcast Public Access TV time slot

Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 8:30-9:30 PM

Tuesday, Thursday at 7:30-8:30 PM

The channel is, "West Chicago Comcast Channel 17"

Anyone with Comcast Cable who lives in West Chicago can see the show. Also all those who have AT&T U-verse in the entire Chicago metropolitan area have access to the station also.

They just need to look it up in their U-verse box.